JP6069810B2 - Equipment and methods for discharging from a system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for discharging from a system, a milking device and a method for controlling a milking device.

  In many applications, vacuum pumps are needed to provide (incomplete) vacuum for various industrial, scientific and medical processes. These various processes require various vacuum levels leading to a wide variety of pump types and pumping principles. The two main parameters of the vacuum pump are the achievable flow rate and the achievable vacuum level (ie pressure level). Every pumping principle has its own advantages and disadvantages, and every application has specific requirements for the pump. Typically, pumps that can provide a high level of vacuum or high flow rates are large and difficult to manufacture. Thus, when selecting or manufacturing a vacuum pump for a particular application, a compromise needs to be found between the required flow rate, maximum vacuum level, manufacturing cost, manufacturing size and other parameters.

  One application area for vacuum pumps is in the field of milking devices, ie devices for extracting breast milk from breastfeeding female breasts. Such devices typically include a vacuum pump to provide a (incomplete) vacuum that is applied to the woman's breast to draw breast milk from the breast. International Patent Application Publication No. WO2012 / 127405A1 discloses a milking device operable to generate negative pressure. The maximum negative pressure that can be achieved by the milking device is a function of the maximum pressure value that the used (incomplete) vacuum pump can provide. If a high level of vacuum is required, different types of pumps are required which usually make the milking device expensive and / or expensive to manufacture.

  In US Patent Application Publication US2005 / 0283112A1, a breast pump is disclosed. The apparatus includes a chest shield adapted to fit over the breast teat and a streamline coupled to the chest shield. The streamline is configured to allow air to flow through the streamline through a pump coupled to the chest shield via the streamline. The pump includes a pump inlet and a pump outlet and is operable to create a pressure drop between the nipple and the pump, the pressure drop being reduced by reducing the pressure of air in the streamline. Generate suction at the chest shield. A blowback valve is provided between the streamline and the pump, the blowback valve having a valve piston disposed in a valve housing. The valve housing is configured to communicate a streamline opening communicating with the chest shield via the streamline, a valve inlet configured to communicate the exterior and the streamline, and communicate the exterior and the streamline. A valve outlet. The valve piston is configured to alternatively seal the valve inlet and the valve outlet.

  In US 2013/0165852 A1, an electric milking pump is disclosed. The pump includes an electric motor, a pump driven by the motor, a suction cup, a first three-way valve that is electrically operated in the suction line, and a second three-way that is electrically operated in the pressure line. The electronic control system has a valve and an electronic control system that sets the electric motor to an operating mode or an idling mode, depending on the operation of the switch. In the operating mode, the electric motor is switched on, the pump inlet is connected to the suction cup via the first three-way valve and the float valve, and the pump outlet is connected via the second three-way valve. The electric motor and the first and second three-way valves that are electrically operated are operated.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for exhausting from a system and achieving an appropriate vacuum level while enabling cost effective manufacturing and mounting in a small housing. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a milking device and a method for controlling the milking device.

  In a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus for evacuating a system, connected to the system by the inlet for generating a pressure drop between the pump inlet and the pump outlet. A suitable pump, a pressure tank for holding the applied pressure value, and a directional control valve for switching the pressure tank to either the pump inlet or the pump outlet, the pump being , When the pressure tank is connected to the pump inlet, transports medium from the system and the pressure tank to the external environment, and the directional control valve, when a predetermined criterion is met, the pump inlet An apparatus is provided that is configured to switch the pressure tank from the pump to the pump outlet.

  In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a milking device comprising the device described above and a system comprising a receiving funnel for receiving a female breast and a breast tank for collecting breast milk.

  In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a milking device, the pump for generating a pressure drop in a system and in a pressure tank, wherein the pressure tank is connected to a pump inlet. Configuring a pump for transporting media from the system and the pressure tank to an external environment, determining whether a predetermined criterion is satisfied, and satisfying the predetermined criterion. Configuring a directional control valve to switch the pressure tank from the pump inlet to the pump outlet.

  Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims. It is to be understood that the claimed method and milking device have preferred embodiments similar to and / or identical to those defined in the claimed device and dependent claims.

  The device according to the invention realizes the increased vacuum level achieved by the use of a directional control valve and an additional pressure tank. The pump transports the media from the inside to the outside, thereby creating a pressure drop between them. The transported medium may include any type of fluid, ie gas or liquid, causing a pressure drop in the system when it is transported out of the system by a pump. When the outlet of the pump is connected to the external environment and the medium being transported is discharged to the external environment, the pressure in the system is reduced compared to the pressure of the external environment.

  In accordance with the present invention, the pump not only transports the media from the system, but also transports the media contained in the pressure tank, thereby reducing both the pressure in the system and the pressure in the pressure tank. Thus, both the system and the pressure tank will be evacuated by the pump.

  The pressure tank (also referred to as a vacuum tank) can hold the applied (low) pressure value by providing a constant value that does not change regardless of the pressure values that change inside and outside the tank To do. A possible embodiment of such a pressure tank may be, for example, a rigid, airtight and inflexible metal body with a single opening to be connected to the pump. Further, in this context, maintaining the applied pressure value means, for example, sucking out the medium from the pressure tank and then closing or sealing the opening of the pressure tank and pressure compensation is performed (for example by opening the tank). It refers to applying or causing a pressure value by keeping the pressure in the pressure tank constant (by releasing the medium in the tank to the external environment or passing the medium from the external environment through the tank).

  Instead of changing the pressure in the pressure tank by pumping the medium from or to the pressure tank, the pressure tank is adapted (passively) to a certain pressure level or pressure value, and then the ambient pressure is different It is also possible to transport the tank to the area so that the pressure state of the internal environment is maintained. The pressure tank can be used in both directions, i.e. it can hold a low pressure relative to the external environment or it can hold a high pressure.

  According to the invention, the pressure tank is connected to the pump inlet or the pump outlet by a directional control valve. Such a directional control valve allows switching to a different path, and depending on the setting of the directional control valve, the media can be guided to different ports. According to the invention, the directional control valve in particular provides the function of switching the pressure tank to the pump inlet in the first setting and to the pump outlet in the second setting. It is thus possible to connect the opening of the pressure tank to either side of the pump.

  Furthermore, according to the invention, the directional control valve performs such a switching procedure, i.e. a procedure for switching the pressure tank from one side of the pump to the other when a predetermined criterion is fulfilled. For example, the pressure tank is initially connected to the pump inlet and does not draw media from the system or draw media from the pressure tank. The pressure tank is then connected to the pump outlet as soon as predetermined criteria are met. In this configuration, when the directional control valve is in the first setting, the pump transports media from the system and pressure tank to the outside environment. The medium is then transported from the system at the pump inlet and to the pressure tank at the pump outlet after switching the directional control valve to the second setting.

  One advantage of the device according to the invention is that it promotes a drop in the generated pressure or an overall drop. Initially, the pump creates a constant pressure drop between the external environment and the system and pressure tank. As soon as the predetermined criteria are met, i.e. when the pressure level can no longer be lowered, the directional control valve switches the pressure tank to the pump outlet. Immediately after switching, this results in an equilibrium of pressure at the pump inlet and pump outlet. Then, if the pressure level at the pump outlet is already lower than the pressure level in the external environment, the pump takes advantage of being able to generate a lower pressure in the system compared to the external environment. Independent of the pressure level in the external environment, the pump creates a pressure drop between the pump inlet and the pump outlet. Thus, if the pressure level at the pump outlet is already lower than the pressure level in the external environment, the pressure level at the pump inlet can be further reduced. This is utilized by the present invention by a directional control valve that can switch the pressure tank from the pump inlet to the pump outlet when a predetermined criterion is met. In particular, the achievable pressure level or vacuum level of the pump is improved by switching the pressure tank as outlined above. The achievable vacuum level, i.e. the minimum pressure that can be generated with the pump, is improved compared to the original achievable vacuum level.

  In a first embodiment of the invention, the device is further coupled between the pump outlet and the pressure tank to prevent back flow of fluid from the external environment to the pump and / or the pressure tank. Has a one-way valve. On the other hand, the valve basically passes the medium in one direction but prevents the medium from passing in the other direction. According to a first embodiment of the invention, the one-way valve is arranged at the pump outlet. Thus, even if the pressure tank is connected to the pump outlet by a directional control valve, back flow of the transported medium from the external environment to the pressure tank or pump is prevented. Initially, as long as the pressure tank is connected to the pump inlet, the one-way valve simply seals the pump outlet from the external environment, allowing the medium transported by the pump to escape to the external environment. However, media cannot flow back from the external environment to the pump or to the system, contrary to the direction of the one-way valve. Then, as described above, as soon as the pressure tank is switched from the pump inlet to the pump outlet, the one-way valve also prevents back flow of media from the external environment to the pressure tank. In this configuration, the pump outlet and pressure tank are unidirectionally separated from the external environment. One advantage of the one-way valve is that the pressure can be maintained compared to the pressure in the external environment.

  According to a further embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a sensor for determining the pressure in the pressure tank. The pressure sensor may be based on a capacitive, electromagnetic, piezoelectric or piezoresistive measurement principle, for example, and can provide information about the pressure of the medium or fluid in the pressure tank. The sensor may be a smart sensor that provides a digital corrected output signal with information about the absolute pressure in the pressure tank, or provides an analog value for the pressure dependent signal in the pressure tank. An analog sensor may be used. The signal generated by the sensor controls the device according to the invention, for example by allowing the use of a closed loop control in which certain parameters of the device are configured directly based on the obtained sensor signal. Make it possible.

  An example of the use of the sensor is further elaborated in another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the directional control valve is configured such that when the pressure in the pressure tank falls below a predetermined pressure threshold, the pump inlet to the pump outlet And is configured to switch the pressure tank. Thus, the pressure in the pressure tank determined by the sensors described above is used as a reference for determining when a pressure tank switch from the pump inlet to the pump outlet should be performed. By defining a specific pressure threshold level, i.e. a predetermined threshold, while the pressure tank is connected to the pump inlet, the configuration of the directional control valve is equal to the current pressure in the pressure tank that is equivalent to that in the system Can be directly related. The predetermined threshold may be selected depending on the characteristics of the pump, for example, the maximum pressure difference that can be achieved or the maximum vacuum level. Depending on the setting selected, one of the advantages of this embodiment is that the control of the switching process is simple and can be realized easily.

  Further in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the instrument further comprises a sensor for determining the throughput of the pump. Such a throughput sensor may be, for example, a flow sensor implemented as one or more pressure sensors, thermal flow meters, mechanical positive displacement meters, or any other flow sensor or flow meter. The flow sensor can basically be used as an alternative to the sensor for determining the pressure in the pressure tank described above. Equivalent functions can be realized. Preferably, the use of such a sensor to determine the pump throughput allows the switching procedure to be triggered automatically without the need for further user input.

  In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the directional control valve is configured to switch the pressure tank from the pump inlet to the pump outlet when the throughput exceeds a predetermined throughput threshold. As explained above, the measured value of the sensor for determining the pump throughput is evaluated and the resulting sensor value determines whether the pressure tank should be switched from the pump inlet to the pump outlet. Used as a reference for. In particular, the principle may be used when the threshold value or throughput value at which switching is to be performed is determined based on the characteristics of the pump. One of the settings that the threshold can take may be a specific ratio to the maximum throughput that can be realized by the pump. Thus, as soon as the pump operates at a relatively low efficiency, the pressure tank is switched from the inlet to the outlet, increasing the pump throughput. As soon as the maximum total pressure drop is reached, the sensor will again record only a small flow rate.

  In another embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises a discharge valve for releasing pressure from the system and / or from the pressure tank to the external environment. In some applications it will be necessary to be able to release pressure or in particular vacuum from the system to the external environment in order to continue its intended use. Such a discharge valve may be operated electrically or manually, and may be realized in the form of a simple butterfly valve or any other type of valve. For example, if a pressure tank is currently connected to the pump outlet, pressure can be released from the system and the pressure tank or only from the system, depending on the mounting position of the discharge valve. Thereby, the discharge valve is preferably operated automatically without the need for any external input besides the pressure difference between the system or pressure tank and the external environment. The discharge valve can then function as a safety valve that prevents the system or tank from becoming too low / high pressure in the event of a pump failure or uncontrolled behavior. For example, when the discharge system is a milking tank of a milking device, such a safety valve can prevent harming the user.

  The device for discharging from the system according to the invention further comprises a (optionally adjustable) flow restrictor for controlling the flow rate of the transported medium from the pressure tank to the pump outlet. Such a flow restrictor achieves a smoother and / or gentle pump curve, in particular by allowing the maximum throughput to be limited.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pump is a positive displacement vacuum pump for moving fluid, especially gas, from the pump inlet to the pump outlet. In another embodiment of the invention, the pump may be either an electric pump or a mechanical pump that is moved by the movement of a human hand and / or foot. Depending on the application, different types of pumps have their advantages and disadvantages. In particular, positive displacement vacuum pumps are advantageous when gas, ie gas molecules, are to be pumped from the pump inlet to the pump outlet. Such positive displacement vacuum pumps rely on a given volume expansion, which reduces the pressure in the expanded volume. A portion of the volume is then separated and expanded again. This procedure may be repeated several times to increase the level of vacuum and can be easily implemented when pumping gas. The main concern here is the vacuum level that the pump can generate, ie the minimum number of molecules remaining per volume. One of the advantages of such a positive displacement vacuum pump is its simple construction and market availability.

  Regardless of which pumping principle is utilized, the pumps included in the equipment may be powered by a battery or power source, which may be controlled by a processor unit or may provide a direct user interface, for example. It may be an electric pump. Alternatively, the device has a mechanical pump that does not require any electrical energy, but can be powered by manual power conversion, eg, by movement of a human hand and / or foot Is also possible. One possibility of such a mechanical pump is the use of a handle that is moved periodically and converts a pumping mechanism, such as the volume transfer principle described above, into motion. The advantages of a mechanical pump include that it does not require battery charging or the use of cable connections. In addition, the risk of failure and the risk of damaging the user, for example in the case of a milking device, are also reduced. On the other hand, electric pumps can be more convenient to use.

  In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a directional control valve and a one-way valve are combined into a smart valve. Such a smart valve may be an integrated part that combines the function of a control valve and the function of a one-way valve into one component. An advantage of combining two valves into one component is that the structural space can be reduced. Furthermore, it may be possible to reduce costs if the number of components of the device is minimized. Such smart valves may further include a discharge valve, which may further reduce the number of components. Furthermore, the function of the safety valve, i.e. protection of the user of the device or of the device itself, may be incorporated into the smart valve. Such smart valves may be fully mechanically controlled and work on the basis of pressure differential and mechanical utilization, i.e. specific pressure differentials deform material and allow pressure to escape to the external environment. May be. The smart valve may also include an adjustable flow restrictor for controlling the flow between the pressure tank and the pump.

  In another embodiment, the directional control valve is a 3/2 valve with three ports and two switching positions. Such a 3/2 valve is basically a standard component that provides the function required for switching the pressure tank from the pump inlet to the pump outlet. The advantage of the 3/2 valve is that the function of switching the pressure tank from the pump inlet to the pump outlet can be realized in a single part. Again, the 3/2 valve may function mechanically due to pressure changes, or may function electrically, for example, by a switching procedure activated by a controller device or by user input.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, the directional control valve may be an electrically operated valve or a mechanically operated valve. If the valve is a motorized valve, a processor can be used to control the pump and automate the switching process. Alternatively, the directional control valve may be operated mechanically. In this case, for example, a mechanical configuration may be used to trigger the switching of the directional control valve from one position to another as soon as the pressure reaches or exceeds a certain threshold. good. It can also be expected that the mechanical action will allow the operator to manually switch the pressure tank from the pump inlet to the pump outlet.

  In another embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises a controller for controlling the pump and / or the directional control valve. Such a controller may be a microcontroller device programmed to perform a desired function, for example. The controller can be used to control the various valves and / or all other components and their interaction in the device according to the invention or in devices comprising such a device. One advantage of such a controller is that it can also be used to perform other control actions in the milking device.

  In a further aspect of the present invention, a milking device comprising a device for draining from the system described above and a system comprising a receiving funnel for receiving a female breast and a breast milk tank for collecting breast milk. Is provided. Such a milking device can be used to collect breastfeeding female breast milk in a container, ie a milk tank. According to this aspect of the invention, the device for draining from the system drains from a container that is airtightly connected to the female breast. The container serves as a milk tank for collecting breast milk from a lactating woman that has been sucked out of the chest by the vacuum generated by the device according to the invention. The hermetic connection of the container to the breast is usually achieved by a funnel or funnel-shaped part, for example made from plastic material, for accommodating the female breast. It is also possible to use a replaceable funnel to accommodate differently shaped chests depending on individual user requirements.

  According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a milking device as described above is provided. Depending on the design of the milking device, the pump, the various valves and / or the various sensors may be controlled by at least one controller that performs a method for controlling the milking machine. Such a controller may be a microprocessor or digital signal processor suitable for performing the necessary calculation and control operations. The controller may be connected to each valve, device and / or sensor of the device according to the invention. The method for controlling a milking device according to the invention may correspond to a closed loop control in which the determined setting is directly related to the sensor value or to an open loop control including user feedback. . One advantage of such a method is that all functions of the device or of the milking device according to the invention can be appropriately controlled and / or performed automatically. No or little user input is required to perform the various control steps.

  These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

1 shows a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an example of pressure reduction in a system produced by the present invention. The schematic diagram of the other Example of this invention is shown. Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 shows a diagram of an alternative example of a device according to the invention. 2 shows a method for controlling a milking device. 1 shows a milking device according to one aspect of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, a device 1a for discharging from a system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. The device 1 a has a pump 5, which is a pump for reducing the pressure between the pump inlet 7 and the pump outlet 9 and is connected to the system 3 by the pump inlet 7. The pump 5 thus transports the medium from the pump inlet 7 to the pump outlet 9, thereby resulting in a pressure reduction. The device 1a further comprises a pressure tank 11, which makes it possible to hold the pressure applied for a period of time. Furthermore, a directional control valve 13 for switching the pressure tank 11 to the inlet 7 or the outlet 9 of the pump 5 is provided. In order to provide the function according to the invention, i.e. to be able to generate a higher level of vacuum compared to using only the pump 5, the directional control valve 13 is The pressure tank 11 is configured to be switched from the inlet 7 to the outlet 9 of the pump 5. Therefore, the directional control valve 13 provides different connection ports or openings that allow for inhalation of the medium and can be switched to different configurations.

  In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the directional control valve 13 has in particular three ports. These three ports can be switched so that either the pump inlet 7 or the pump outlet 9 is coupled to the pressure tank 11. In this context, coupled indicates that the medium is connected to allow flow from one port of the directional control valve 13 to another depending on the current setting of the directional control valve 13. . To provide the switching function, the directional control valve is, for example, moved mechanically or electrically from one position to another so that the medium flows through one path or another path. The enabling spool is in the cylinder.

  As outlined above, the device according to the invention makes it possible to achieve a higher level of vacuum than when only the pump 5 is used. Usually, the pump 5 is characterized by the maximum achievable pressure drop that it can produce between the pump inlet 7 and the pump outlet 9. Thus, when a low pressure is already applied at the outlet 9 of the pump 5, the achievable pressure level at the inlet of the pump 5 is greater than when the outlet 9 of the pump 5 is directly connected to the external environment. high. This behavior is exploited by the present invention. Initially, both the system 3 and the pressure tank 11 are aspirated by the pump 5 to generate the same level of pressure (pressure level) in both the system 3 and the pressure tank 11. Next, the pressure tank 11 is switched from the inlet 7 of the pump 5 to the outlet 9 of the pump 5 by the direction control valve 13. This makes it possible to generate a higher vacuum level (lower pressure) in the system 3 than when only the pump 5 is used.

  FIG. 2 shows a typical pressure drop generated by an instrument according to the present invention. The pressure p is shown as a function of time t. Initially, the pressure in system 3 and pressure tank 11 is in equilibrium with pressure p1 in the external environment. The pump 5 is then switched on at t1, resulting in a pressure drop in both the system 3 and the pressure tank 11. At a specific time t2, the highest vacuum level p2 achievable in this configuration is reached. Due to the configuration parameters of the pump 5, the pump 5 cannot generate a higher level of vacuum (lower pressure). As soon as the predetermined criteria are met, the directional control valve 13 switches the pressure tank 11 from the inlet 7 to the outlet 9 of the pump 5. The predetermined reference may be a pressure threshold, for example. By this switching, the pressure levels at the inlet 7 and outlet 9 of the pump are temporarily re-equilibrated. The pump 5 can then provide a higher level of vacuum (ie lower pressure) in the system 3. However, even in this configuration, when the specific pressure value p3 is reached in the system 3, the pump 5 is saturated. In FIG. 2, when the pump 5 is switched off and / or the discharge valve is opened at t3, it leads to a pressure balance with the external environment.

  FIG. 3 shows another embodiment 1b of the device according to the invention. Compared to the device 1 a shown in FIG. 1, a one-way valve 15 coupled to the outlet 9 of the pump 5 and the pressure tank 11 is further provided. The one-way valve 15 can prevent backflow of the transported medium or any type of fluid from the external environment to the pump 5 and / or the pressure tank 11. Furthermore, a first sensor 17 for determining the pressure in the pressure tank 11 is shown. The first sensor 17 makes it possible to perform the switching of the pressure tank 11 from the inlet 7 to the outlet 9 of the pump 5 as soon as the pressure in the pressure tank 11 falls below a predetermined threshold, ie the pressure threshold. Still further, the illustrated embodiment shows a second sensor 19 for determining the throughput of the pump 5. The second sensor 19 may be used in place of the sensor 17 or in combination with the sensor 17 in order to activate the switching of the direction control valve 13. One obvious possibility is that the throughput is determined by the throughput sensor 19 and whether the throughput is continuously below a predetermined threshold, i.e. the pump 5 is only transporting a small amount of fluid. It is to determine whether the pump 5 is practically in saturation as it has been.

  FIG. 3 further shows a discharge valve 21 for releasing pressure from the system 3 and / or the pressure tank 11 to the external environment. The discharge valve 21 may have a control connection 22 that enables remote control.

  Furthermore, FIG. 3 shows a controller 23 for controlling the pump 5, the directional control valve 13, the sensors 17 and 19 and for controlling the discharge valve 21 via the control connection 22. In further embodiments of the device according to the invention, the controller 23 may also control other sensors or other electronically controllable components. In particular, the pump 5 may be an electric pump or a mechanical pump that requires specific control pulses or other signals generated by the controller 23.

  The controller may be a combined controller that also controls other functions of the milking device according to other aspects of the present invention, thereby varying the suction cycle or applied pressure in response to user feedback. The automatic interruption of the function according to the signal or the user interface, or other functions may be possible.

  A further embodiment 1c of the device according to the invention is schematically shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the device 1c has a smart valve 25 that combines the functions of the direction control valve 13, the one-way valve 15, and the discharge valve 21. The smart valve 25 is connected to the inlet 7 and outlet 9 of the pump 5 and the pressure tank 11. One of the main advantages of using the smart valve 25 to provide various desired functions is that only one part is required instead of multiple parts. This may allow a cheaper implementation of the device according to the invention. Furthermore, such integrated parts can reduce the failure rate. The smart valve 25 may further include a flow restrictor for speed control.

  In FIG. 5 a further schematic view of an embodiment 1d of the device according to the invention is shown. The directional control valve 13 is shown in more detail to highlight the various parts and possible switching functions. Such a 3/2 valve, i.e. a three-way two-position control valve, provides the desired function for switching the pressure tank 11 from the inlet 7 to the outlet 9 of the pump 5. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an adjustable flow restrictor 26 is arranged between the directional control valve and the outlet 9 of the pump 5. The adjustable flow restrictor makes it possible to control the flow rate of the transported medium, in particular by restrictably limiting the maximum throughput.

  In this embodiment, the system 3 to be drained has a funnel 27 and a breast milk tank 29. The funnel 27 houses the female breast. The incomplete vacuum generated by the pump 5 can then be applied to the chest and milk can be expressed. The extracted breast milk is collected in a tank 29. Furthermore, a one-way valve 15 for preventing the backflow of fluid from the external environment to the direction control valve 13 or the pump 5 is shown. In particular, in the present invention, the pump 5 transports air out of the tank 29 and releases the air through the one-way valve 15 to the external environment.

  In FIG. 6, a method for controlling a milking device according to an embodiment of one aspect of the present invention is shown. Such a method may be executed, for example, by a controller included in the milking device described above. The controller may control various components (eg, valves, sensors, pumps, etc.) to achieve a higher vacuum level (ie, lower pressure).

  According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the pump is initially configured to generate a pressure decrease in the system and pressure tank (S10). Depending on the type of pump and the type of connection to the controller, the configuration specifically includes starting the pump. For example, if the pump can be operated at different levels, the configuration may also include selecting an appropriate level. Next, it is determined whether or not a predetermined criterion is satisfied (S12). Preferably, the determination is based on sensor values obtained from at least one sensor, in particular a pressure sensor or a throughput sensor. Thus, determining whether a predetermined criterion is met includes obtaining a sensor value from a sensor (ie, a throughput sensor or a pressure sensor). At this time, based on the sensor value, it may be determined whether or not the predetermined criterion is satisfied, possibly in combination with user input. The method for controlling a breast pump according to the invention further comprises switching a directional control valve (S14) to connect a pressure tank to the outlet of the pump if the predetermined criteria are met (pressure tank). Was initially connected to the pump inlet). For example, the switching is performed when a specific threshold is exceeded by the sensor value. Switching the directional control valve indicates that the necessary control signal is sent to the connection cable to initiate the switching procedure. The method for controlling a milking device further determines control settings for further valves (eg directional control valves and / or one-way valves) and devices (eg pumps) and based on the determined control settings It may also comprise configuring valves and devices (not shown). Again, the configuration indicates sending the necessary control signals to the connection cable (or sending the signals over a wireless connection). The method may represent closed-loop control or open-loop control as outlined above.

  Furthermore, a method (not shown) for evacuating from a system according to the invention generates a pressure drop in the system and the pressure tank, maintains the pressure value applied in the pressure tank, the predetermined criteria Switching the pressure tank from the pump inlet to the outlet when is satisfied.

  FIG. 7 shows a milking device 31 according to another aspect of the present invention. The receiving funnel 27 is shaped to accommodate a female breast. As soon as a pressure drop, i.e. an incomplete vacuum, is applied to the chest, milk is expressed. As shown in FIG. 7, the squeezed breast milk is collected in a tank 29. The tank is evacuated by a pump 5 connected to the tank through a smart valve 25. Furthermore, a pressure tank 11 and a controller 23 are included. In addition, a battery 33 is shown that supplies the electrical energy required for the various components. The illustrated smart valve 25 in this embodiment includes the functions of a directional control valve, a one-way valve and a discharge valve. The valve also functions as a safety valve that prevents damage to the user in the event of pump 5 failure. The controller 23 controls the smart valve 25, measures the pressure in the pressure tank 11, and controls the pump 5.

  Although not shown, a mechanical pump may be used instead of the electric pump. This means that the controller 23 does not need to be connected to the pump 5. Mechanical pumps typically have a handle for manually applying force to create a pressure drop. In addition, usually a user interface (eg acoustic, visual or mechanical feedback means combined with buttons, touchpads, trackballs or other input means), a power source (eg batteries, solar cells or other energy). Peripheral equipment (not shown) is provided, such as generators, or mains power connectors), or design elements to improve the visual perception of the breast pump.

  Instead of switching the pressure tank from the inlet to the outlet of the pump, it is also possible to connect several pumps in series so that the outlet of one pump is connected directly to the inlet of another pump. This also makes it possible to improve the vacuum level.

  While the invention has been illustrated and described in the drawings and foregoing description, such description and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. From reading the drawings, description and appended claims, other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention.

  In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.

  Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the claim.

Claims (15)

A device for discharging from the system,
A pump suitable to be connected to the system by the inlet for generating a drop in pressure between the pump inlet and the pump outlet;
A pressure tank to hold the applied pressure value;
A directional control valve for switching the connection of the pressure tank to either the pump inlet or the pump outlet;
The pump transports media from the system and the pressure tank to an external environment when the pressure tank is connected to the pump inlet;
The directional control valve is configured to switch from a state in which the pressure tank is connected to the pump inlet to a state in which the pressure tank is connected to the pump outlet when a predetermined criterion is satisfied.   The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a one-way valve coupled between the pump outlet and the pressure tank to prevent back flow of fluid from an external environment to the pump and / or the pressure tank.   The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a sensor for determining a pressure in the pressure tank. The directional control valve, wherein when the pressure falls below a predetermined pressure threshold in the pressure tank, so that the switching from the state in which the pressure tank is connected to a pump inlet to a state where the pressure tank is connected to the pump outlet The device of claim 3 configured.   The instrument of claim 1, further comprising a sensor for determining the throughput of the pump. The directional control valve is configured to switch when the throughput of the pump exceeds a predetermined throughput threshold value, to a state in which the pressure tank to the pump outlet from a state in which the pressure tank is connected to the pump inlet is connected The device according to claim 5.   A discharge valve for releasing pressure from the system and / or from the pressure tank to the external environment, and / or a flow restrictor for controlling the flow rate of the transported medium from the pressure tank to the pump outlet The device of claim 1, further comprising:   2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pump is a positive displacement pump for moving fluid, in particular gas, from the pump inlet to the pump outlet.   The device according to claim 1, wherein the pump is an electric pump or a mechanical pump driven by movement of a human hand and / or foot.   The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the directional control valve and the one-way valve are combined in a smart valve.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the directional control valve is a 3/2 valve with three ports and two switching positions.   The device according to claim 1, wherein the directional control valve is a valve that is operated electrically or mechanically.   The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a controller for controlling the pump and / or the directional control valve.   A milking device comprising the device of claim 1 and a system comprising a receiving funnel for receiving a female breast and a breast milk tank for collecting breast milk. A method for controlling a milking device,
A pump for generating a pressure drop in a system and in a pressure tank, the pump configured to transport media from the system and the pressure tank to an external environment when the pressure tank is connected to a pump inlet And steps to
Determining whether predetermined criteria are met;
If the predetermined criteria are met, the step of configuring the directional control valve so that the pressure tank from a state in which the pressure tank to the pump inlet is connected to the pump outlet to switch to the connected state,
Having a method.

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